South African SIU to Investigate 9 Eskom Contracts Amid Corruption Allegations

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in South Africa has been authorized to investigate nine Eskom contracts for alleged corruption and maladministration. The decision comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an amended proclamation allowing the SIU to scrutinize these contracts. The investigation will cover potential unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure by Eskom, along with any unlawful conduct by officials, employees, or associated parties. The move has been welcomed by AfriForum, a civil rights organization, who had previously submitted a request to Eskom for information about its coal and diesel contracts. Charné Mostert, AfriForum’s campaign officer on corruption, believes the investigation underscores deep-rooted corruption within Eskom and highlights the urgency of transparency in its contract details.